The Royal Pump Room Museum

The Royal Pump Room Museum exists on the site of the strongest sulphur well in Europe

Come and discover the history behind England’s premier spa town and step back in time with a visit to the Royal Pump Room Museum.

'Harrogate is the queerest place with the strangest people in it, leading the oddest lives.' So said Charles Dickens after visiting Harrogate back in the 19th century, a time when things were quite different than they are today. And if you want to discover what life was life for these strange people in Harrogate’s distant past, there is only one place to go.

The Royal Pump Room Museum exists on the site of the strongest sulphur well in Europe, which you can see when you come to visit. This was also the place to go for all kinds of weird and wonderful spa treatments in bygone years, from unappealing peat baths to electric therapies and nasal douches – whatever they might be. And you can learn all about these treatments from our team of local history experts.

At the Royal Pump Room Museum you can stroll along an arcade of old fashioned shops and explore what was on offer to local people in years gone by. You can also discover Harrogate’s exciting connection to Russian Royalty and be dazzled by our collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts. We also have numerous temporary exhibitions to add even more fun and education to your visit.

If you would like to learn more about the attractions within the Royal Pump Room Museum and the exhibitions on at the moment, take a look at our website.